Muslim Summit Slams Hizbullah 'Terrorist Activities' in Arab States, Lauds Lebanese Army

A two-day summit of leaders from the world's Muslim countries on Friday condemned what it called Hizbullah “terrorist activities” in some Arab countries while hailing the Lebanese army and security forces for their role in the anti-terror fight.

The conferees "condemned Hizbullah for conducting terrorist activities in Syria, Bahrain, Kuwait and Yemen and for supporting terrorist movements and groups undermining the security and stability of OIC Member States," said the closing statement of the summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul.

The statement also welcomed dialogue among the Lebanese political parties and hailed “the sacrifices of the Lebanese army and security forces in the anti-terror fight.”

The conferees also condemned alleged Iranian "interference" in the affairs of some member states.

Several countries, including Lebanon, voiced reservations over the accusations against Hizbullah in the closing statement as Iranian President Hassan Rouhani boycotted the closing session in protest at the clauses that mentioned Iran and Hizbullah.

Lebanon expressed reservations over the Hizbullah clause and stressed its "respect for the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries," Lebanon's National News Agency said.

Lebanon also voiced reservations over a clause addressing the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorny Karabakh region and another clause related to Kosovo.

The meeting was marked by signs of a strong emerging alliance between Turkey and fellow Sunni Muslim power Saudi Arabia, whose foreign ministers Thursday signed a memorandum on creating a bilateral cooperation council.

Both countries, along with the tiny but gas-rich Gulf state of Qatar, back rebels fighting the regime of President Bashar Assad in Syria.

This pits them against Iran and also Russia -- with whom Turkey is experiencing a crisis in relations after the downing of a Russian warplane -- who are the last major remaining allies of Assad.

Analysts have warned Turkey needs to tread carefully in its alliance with Saudi Arabia, so it is not seen as a sectarian union aimed at Iran. In a sign of Ankara's desire to maintain a delicate balance, Rouhani is due to begin a bilateral visit to Turkey immediately after the summit.

Sunni regional powerhouse Saudi Arabia earlier this year halted a grant to the Lebanese army in wake of virulent criticism made by Hizbullah against Riyadh and Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil's abstention from voting in favor of Arab resolutions condemning attacks against the Saudi embassy and consulate in Iran.

The Saudi diplomatic missions were attacked by protesters condemning Riyadh's execution of a prominent Shiite dissident cleric – Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr.

Riyadh also led the Arab League in condemning alleged Hizbullah “acts of terror” in some countries and issued travel advisories for its citizens, urging them against traveling to Lebanon.

The Gulf Cooperation Council has also adopted similar measures.

Y.R.